First Friends Montessori has been in business for 18 years in Placerville this fall.
They attribute their success to all the wonderful families and children who have helped make it grow.
The school is a private preschool serving infants through 6 years Of age.
We offer preschool, school day and Fullday programs. The Montessori curriculum includes study areas in Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Studies.
The main object of Montessori Education is to develop Order, Coordination, Concentration and Independence.
The materials in the classroom are all hands on materials developed by Maria Montessori.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Kindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 24 students
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-4
Year Founded
1997
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
24 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
8 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- School Motto: The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence
- First Friends Montessori has been in business for 18 years in Placerville this fall. They attribute their success to all the wonderful families and children who have helped make it grow. The school is a private preschool serving infants through 6 years Of age. We offer preschool, school day and Fullday programs. The Montessori curriculum includes study areas in Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Studies. The main object of Montessori Education is to develop Order, Coordination, Concentration and Independence. The materials in the classroom are all hands on materials developed by Maria Montessori.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are First Friends Montessori often compared to?
First Friends Montessori is often viewed alongside schools like Cedar Springs Waldorf School by visitors of our site.
When is the application deadline for First Friends Montessori?
The application deadline for First Friends Montessori is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
Popular comparisons: First Friends Montessori vs. Cedar Springs Waldorf School
The nearest high school to First Friends Montessori is Summitview Academy (1.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is El Dorado Adventist School (1.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Cedar Springs Waldorf School (4.6 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: K-8 | 70 students 1.6 miles 1900 Broadway
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-3560
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-3560
1.6
K-8
70
Summitview Academy
Special Education School
Grades: 7-12 | 35 students 1.7 miles 670 Placerville Dr Ste 1b
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 644-2412
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 644-2412
1.7
7-12
35
Grades: PK-8 | 161 students 4.6 miles 6029 Gold Meadows Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 642-9903
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 642-9903
4.6
PK-8
161
Grades: PK-K | 28 students 5.3 miles 2771 Spear St.
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 626-1202
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 626-1202
5.3
PK-K
28
Grades: PK-K | 59 students 8.8 miles 4140 Mother Lode Dr Ste 100
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
(530) 677-1776
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
(530) 677-1776
8.8
PK-K
59
School Reviews
5 5/19/2023
First Friends Montessori came highly recommended by our neighbor who had their daughter enrolled. Now our daughter has been going to First Friends for two years and she loves it, just thriving. Ms. Araceli teaches the younger class and our daughter adores her! She helped complete her potty training which most preschool/Montessori programs won't do. Ms. Araceli teaches some Spanish which my husband and I love. Her speech was significantly improved after enrollment. The building is a bit older but I have seen constant improvements inside and out in our time there. Mrs. Maggie owns the school and teaches the older children, our daughter will attend her class next year. It's clear early childhood development is her passion. We love the big yard full of activities for endless play, chickens, and a garden! Even I have made friends at First Friends!
5 8/1/2019
Our experience at First Friends Montessori has exceeded expectations. My son has attended this school for the past two years and is now more than ready to start his journey as a Kindergartner. The curriculum taught allows each student to grow at their own pace, while also providing the structure needed at this age. There are no words to describe the excellence of the teachers. They're compassionate and sincerely care about each child there! We are going to miss this school and couldn't recommend it highly enough! You won't be disappointed.
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